Aim to get town blooming by May

The man behind the Spalding Flower Parade has said he is looking to step in to help bring blooms to the town in time for this year’s event.

As previously reported, there’s no funding for the floral displays that previously were covered by the Spalding In Bloom project.
Last year Coun Rob Gibson was able to secure some funding from the district council and he and Coun Jan Whitbourn watered them.
But at a recent meeting of the council he warned it might not happen this year due to the lack of funding, though he was working on something to ensure it happened in future years.
Instead, Steve Timewell has said he’s working to ensure baskets are in place in time for this year’s parade on May 11.
Steve said: “I am a keen supporter of our home town and if there is anything I can do to make it a nicer place to live and work, I am all for it.
“It would be extra special if the town was full of colour for the parade in May but I am also keen to support longer term plans.”
l Meanwhile an incredible donation coming from a member of the public in Australia has bridged a gap left by other funding being withdrawn.
Mr Timewell has restarted a friendship between Jersey and Spalding where the flower queens attend each other’s parades.
Last year South Holland District Council provided £2,000 to add to £1,500 from Flower Parade money raised so the Spalding Ambassador Star Perry and her deputy Holly Kendrick, Mr Timewell and his wife Sandra could attend the event in Jersey.
This year the council is not providing that funding.
The move led to Steve taking to social media to appeal for more money, and a man from Australia got in touch to offer £2,000.
“I was prepared to pay for the trip from Flower Parade funds,” Steve said, “but then I had the most incredible surprise.”
“A random stranger by the name of Richard Thorley contacted me from his home in Australia.
“Richard told me that he was an ex-Grammar School pupil in the 70s and the town, in particular, the school had done so much for him and given him the most incredible start in life.’
“I am constantly blown away by the support I receive from our local community,” Steve said, “but this is above and beyond.
“The guy lives in Australia, he’s booked a flight to come to Spalding in May to see the parade. This gives me so much encouragement and makes me even more determined to work hard to make Spalding a nicer place to live.”
“I am disappointed in the council but totally understand that money is tight and they have more important things to worry about than our parade. I’m no fool.
“It is a shame though, that we have not had a single penny from our council yet it’s the public that are working so hard to promote the town.
“The Jersey link, in my mind is very important and I will work hard to make it even stronger.”